Rodney R. Richards of Chester passed away at Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh on Monday, March 20, 2017 following a brief illness.

Rodney was 63 years old and he was born in Weirton on February 13, 1954. He was a son of Elizabeth Swearingen Richards of Weirton and the late Ronald Richards.

He retired from Weirton Steel and later loved being a shuttle driver at the Mountaineer Race Track and Gaming Resort. He had been a member of the Fairview Presbyterian Church in New Manchester as well as the Men’s Axillary to VFW Post 6450 in Chester, where he also was a social member. Also he was social member of Chester American Legion Post 121, and a past president of the Tomlinson Run State Park Foundation.

Rodney loved children and Christmas and for 25 years played Santa at the American Legion in Chester.

In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his brother, Randy Richards.

On June 24, 1985 he married his loving wife, Carolyn Wright Richards and she survives at home. Also surviving are his son, Jay Richards at home and Richard Greene and his fiancée Kelly Brand of North Royalton, OH; and his brothers, Ronald Richards of Florida, Rick Richards of Illinois, and Ralph Richards of Weirton.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rodney’s name to the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Chester or the American Cancer Society.

A memorial service to celebrate Rodney’s life will be held at the Arner Funeral Chapel in Chester on Friday, March 24 at 3:00 p.m. with Rev. Katrina Lewis and Rev. Mark Wilds officiating.  At the conclusion of the service family and friends will gather at the Chester American Legion for a continued time of remembrance with food and fellowship.

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